Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we use hula hoops to develop coordination and control throughout our body?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop coordination through hula hoop skills and movements
  • To explore different ways of moving with and through equipment
  • To link together movement skills in a simple sequence

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved coordination using hula hoops
  • Students will show control when moving body parts in isolation and combination
  • Students will create and perform a simple hoop skill sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops
1 per student (30)

Check all hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use

Alternative: Large PE hoops, rope circles

Cones
5

Place around perimeter for Budge game identification

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Music Player
1

Choose steady beat music for rhythm activities

Alternative: Clapping rhythm, counting

Key Vocabulary

Coordination

Using different body parts together smoothly and efficiently

Isolation

Moving one body part whilst keeping other parts still

Rhythm

A regular, repeated pattern of movement

Hula hooping

Keeping a hoop rotating around your body using movement

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic body awareness and control
  • Simple manipulation of equipment
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Hoop manipulation and control
  • Coordinated body movements
  • Rhythmical movement patterns
  • Linking movement sequences

Next Steps

  • Complex coordination challenges
  • Partner and group fitness activities
  • Sustained fitness activities with equipment

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains hoop movement for 5+ rotations
2
Shows clear isolation of body parts
3
Demonstrates rhythmical movement patterns
4
Links skills smoothly without stopping

Key Teaching Points

  • Close fingers around hoop to improve control and coordination
  • Maintain straight back and balanced stance for all hoop skills
  • Use wrist action rather than whole arm for spinning and circling
  • Create rhythmical, circular hip movements for effective hula hooping
  • Practice skills multiple times to develop muscle memory and coordination
  • Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just perfect technique
  • Connect coordination skills to other activities and sports

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking coordination is only about being 'sporty' - explain it's about brain and body working together
  • Believing some people 'can't' coordinate - emphasise everyone can improve with practice
  • Focusing only on speed rather than control - stress quality movement over fast movement
  • Thinking difficult skills aren't worth attempting - explain challenge helps learning
  • Comparing to others negatively - promote personal improvement and effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, allow movement breaks between skills
dyspraxia
  • Break skills into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment for easier control
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual sequence cards, allow processing time, offer quiet practice space
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured hoops, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written sequence cards
physical disability
  • Adapt skills for seated work, use smaller/lighter hoops, modify movements for individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rotations and sequences, recognising circular patterns and shapes, timing activities

Science

Understanding forces needed to keep hoops moving, balance and stability concepts, body systems during exercise

Art

Circular movements and patterns, spatial awareness and design in sequences

Music

Rhythm and beat in movement patterns, creating sequences with musical timing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for demonstrations, perimeter for observation during practice

Observation Focus

Coordination development, equipment control, safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe equipment use, assist with difficult skills, manage spacing

Demonstration Notes

Show skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as demonstrators when possible. Break complex skills into smaller steps.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Close your fingers around the hoop for control!'
  • 'Straight back, feet apart for good balance!'
  • 'Smooth, rhythmical movements!'
  • 'Watch the hoop while you move it!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 15m x 10m, or outdoor playground area

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all hoops for cracks, sharp edges or damage before use
  • Ensure hoops are appropriate size for students (waist-high when standing)
  • Cones placed securely and visible for game activities

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during movement activities
  • Trips and falls from hoops on floor
  • Equipment striking others during swinging movements
  • Overexertion during sustained activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established for all activities
  • Adequate spacing maintained between students during hoop work
  • Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • Regular safety reminders about equipment control
  • Immediate stop signal established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
  • Monitor spacing especially during hoop rolling and swinging skills
  • Check for signs of fatigue during sustained hula hooping
  • Ensure proper technique to prevent strain or injury
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school incident procedures